Muhammad Ali defended his NABF heavyweight title against Floyd Patterson

Date: September 30, 1972

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Ali stance: orthodox

Patterson stance: orthodox

Muhammad Ali was stripped of his undisputed world titles in 1967 and made his return in 1970. After beating Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena, Ali was given his first chance to regain his titles, but was outpointed by Joe Frazier. Ali won his next seven bouts, with Jimmy Ellis and Jerry Quarry the biggest names in that streak.

Floyd Patterson first became heavyweight champion in 1956, when he knocked out Archie Moore in the fifth round. This was before the days of the WBA and WBC. He lost his titles to Ingemar Johansson, and then became the first person to regain the heavyweight titles when he beat Johansson in the rematch. Patterson lost his titles to Sonny Liston, who knocked him out in the first round and repeated that performance in the rematch. His next loss was when he challenged Ali for the undisputed titles in 1965. Patterson was on a run of nine wins, with the biggest name being Oscar Bonavena.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Muhammad Ali - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000180

Floyd Patterson - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/9038